EastEnders has confirmed that it will tackle the issue of self-harming in a new storyline involving Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd).
The teenager - daughter of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) - has grown increasingly isolated from family and friends in recent weeks, and soon it is revealed that she has been self-harming.
Exec producer Chris Clenshaw, who has developed the story with leading mental health charities, said: "It was really important for us to explore a storyline focused on Amy's mental health challenges – the issues she faces impact so many young people and their families across the UK so we hope this will help to raise awareness and to start a conversation amongst viewers.
"We wanted to ensure the story was portrayed with utmost care, which is why working alongside charities such as Alumina, Mind and Samaritans was essential in ensuring it was depicted as sensitively and accurately as possible."
Lorna Fraser of Samaritans added: "The utmost care needs to be taken around stories involving self-harm but sensitive portrayals, which depict a character overcoming difficult moments and show hopeful recovery, can provide encouragement for others to reach out for help.
"Young people, especially women around Amy Mitchell's age, are most likely to consider self-harm, so we were pleased to help a hugely popular soap like EastEnders to maximise the positive impact of her story.
"Hopefully, Amy's storyline will help start meaningful conversations around mental health and self-harm, which is a major public health concern."
EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Neil Wilkes
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